Q: What Is USB?
A: USB is a specification that allows computer
peripherals to be attached to the outside of the computer. It eliminates
the need to install cards into dedicated computer slots and reconfigure
the system. USB is really an ultimate plug-n-play specification that no
switches or jumpers are required to configure. One of the top benefits
from USB is that users can install hardware without needing to reboot
their computers. USB allows up to 127 devices to run at the same
time on the bus, with hubs connecting to devices to the bus. The USB also
provides a much higher transfer rates than the traditional RS-232
or parallel-port devices.

- now you can attach and detach peripherals while your system stays up
and running.

Chain devices together

- USB allows some peripherals to incorporate "hubs" that
serve as connection points for other devices. This lets you use more
than one USB-compatible device at a time.

Automatic installation

- when a USB-compatible peripheral is connected, PCs with USB
automatically install and configure the necessary drivers and system
resources.

Separate power cord not required

- most USB devices get their power through the USB bus (connection)
itself, so only one cable is needed.

Faster

- USB
transfers data 10 times faster than traditional serial ports.

Q: What devices support USB?
A: Almost any I/O (Input/Output)
device can be used with USB. They include Mice, Keyboards, Joysticks,
Scanners, Monitors, Zip Drives, Telephones, Cameras and Printers.

Q: What is USB
2.0 and will it replace the original?A: USB 2.0 runs at a whopping
480 Mbps and features complete backward compatibility with the original
USB. USB 2.0 will most likely not completely replace its
predicator because, simply, a keyboard or mouse doesn’t need 480 Mbps
bandwidth. While peripherals won’t utilize 2.0, it will be great for web
cams, digital cameras, etc. More info on USB 2.0 can be found
here.

Q: How fast is
USB?A: USB is designed to run at 12
Mbps with a sub-channel running at 1.5 Mbps.

Q: I have Windows 95, Can I still use
USB?
A: The original Windows 95 cannot use USB no matter
whether you have USB or not. You need to have Windows 95 OSR 2.1 (Service
Release). If not you can
download the supplement for Windows 95B from here.

Q: Will I need special software to run
USB with other Operating Systems?
A: No, what you need is Windows 95B with USB
supplement, Windows 98, Windows 2000, or MacOS 8.5 (found in iMac and
G3 systems). The operating systems pretty much cover the software
side. If you got a USB device, either the operating systems have the
necessary drivers or the manufacturers ship with the required
software/drivers for the hardware.

Q: I don't have USB, Can I add it to my
PC?
A: You must have an available PCI slot to install USB PCI card. OS
requirement is Windows 98 or Windows 95 OSR2 with USB
supplement.

Q: Is USB support stable?
A: Good question. USB is a relatively new specification, Windows 98 was
really the first OS to have what Microsoft considered full USB support.
Unfortunately while the majority of USB devices work fine, Windows 98 did
have many USB related problems.